Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1887-12-08

ShaI LEN A-SONTINUED.
But, on leading Medji toward the rock
from. which she. was wont to mount, she
perceived an aged woman bending under a.
heavy bundle of faggots. This figure had
so timed its approach thatit reached the
rock as Natalie did. The woman ,Ewho
seemed to be Of very great age, curtsied,
and IN acracked, tremulous voice addressed
the Princess. 50 remarkable and interest
ing did this creature appear that Natalie
forgot the oncoming storm, and began to
question her with regard to her life and
welfare. -Feebly putting down the bundle,
the trembling and palsied. old thing told a
pitiful tale that stirred Natalie's compass
sion. Drawing out her purse, the latter be-
slowed generous gift upon the poor soul,
whotherenpon took thchands of her bene-
factress. and, pressing them to herlips, COW
cred them with kisses.
Natalie gazed in mingled amusement and
compassion. .passively allowing the pitiable
creature her way. She did not observe the
sharp eyes cautiously peering out from be-
hind the huge oak back Of her, nor the fig
urge that lightly bounded to the stone. But
she felt the iron hand hat caught her IN its
relentless grasp, and the gag that efectual
1y choked, at its beginning, her Shrek for
help.
The Princess struggled fiercely to escape,
and even dragged her two assailants for
SOI1c INSTANCE IrOu1 the rOCh. Out Tue OH
woman, who suddenly Strengthened her
bent form, and miraculously. regained her
strength, held the two mall hanls of the
girl as in the grasp of an iron vice, while
the other flung cloth over her head. The
fumes of the powerful chemical with which.
it was saturated, combined with the fright
full shock, soon rendered her unconscious.
Fairfax watched from a distance the whole
scene in an agony of remorse. Even he,
o11-f 1br.,
deserved and cruel torture he was giving
an innocent girl. all to crafty en- insane
within. But that reSistless will forbade the.
slightest interference. The deed had been
planned. and nothing short of his own
death could prevent its execution. g. - .
In impressing upon the seaman the neces-
sity of observing every precautlon toobtain
success, he had added, with an oath:
eff a hair of her head is harmed, your
blood be upon your own heads.'
The counterfeit peasant woman lightly
picked up the unconscious Princess, and
fastened toward the carriage with his love
ly burden. The other seaman followed
with Medji. wha had been standing quietly
by, during this scene. Fairfax blew his
whistle as the signal Of release to Oxford
and to Roger, the outposts on either side of
the pool. Essfzs
The latter met with but one wayfarer-a
farmer residing in that neighborhood- and
him he easily detained. But poor Oxford
had his hands full in endeavoring to sus-a
tain an exciting conversation with an obsti-
nate old farmer and half-dozen stupid
wagoners, en- route to St Brieux with pro-
ducefor the morrow market. He blessed
Heaven when the whistle relieved his ago
ny, and, cleverly turning the conversation, !
left the. peasants TO themselves and they
rode on, disputing with each other.
Dick leisurely sta1ked into the woods, and,
hiding among the trees, awaited the pass:
ing by of Dimitri and Catherine. When
both the servants and carriers had gone
quite out of sight he ran into the grove
where Fairfax and the men were concealed.
Medji stood there, surmounted by mans
addle. The Princess saddle had been
taken off and placed in the buggy. She her
self lay on the grass, pale and moaning.
Dick, who, among his other accomplish
ments, possessed slight smattering Of
medicine, agreed with Fairfax that her con-
dition was only momentary affair. As she
seemed to be regainiug consciousness, Fair
fax coolly asked his friend to give her some
water. She drank without urging, but was
allowed only swallow or two.
s.She must quench her thirst with this
said the imperturbable leader. with q grim
look on his face, as he gave Dick a small
glass that he had filed from a phial con-
cealed in his coat-pocket. She readily and
gratefully drank all of its soothing contents
and quickly fell back in a heavy slumber.
..Pick herup, Dick; put her into the car
rage and drive. will ride Medji-, was the
sharply uttered command. The oo1n dide
as ordered; while the valet and seaman set
out on foot to the coast, distant about four
miles.
Fairfax and Oxford made as rapid prog
ress as possible. The storm was about to
break and did break ere they reached their
destination. But, thanks to the rubber
apron and excellent care of the hitherto
clumsy Richard, even the lovely face and
ysI1 ~ as